2014 bmw z4 Model Overview

Vehicle Overview

The 2014 BMW Z4 is the German automaker’s hard-top convertible offering. With three engines and just as many transmission choices, the Z4 can be configured in a number of ways. But as we found in our experiences with the good-looking roadster, you may not find the Z4 to be a good driver’s car in any trim.

The 2014 BMW Z4 is available in three trim levels, including sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and sDrive35is models. BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 serves as the base engine in the sDrive28i, producing 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Powering both the sDrive35i and sDrive35is is BMW’s venerable turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6. The sDrive35i gets the standard 300-hp, 300-lb-ft rating, but the sDrive35is is tuned to a more substantial 335 hp and 332 lb-ft. An overboost function briefly provides maximum torque of 369 lb-ft in the sDrive35is, facilitating 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.4 seconds in our tests. Standard in both sDrive28i and sDrive35i models is a six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic available as a no-cost option. The only transmission available for the sDrive35is is a seven-speed dual-clutch unit that traces its roots back to the previous M3’s gearbox.

Four-cylinder Z4 models equipped with the automatic transmission are EPA-rated at 22/33 mpg city/highway, while manual Z4s are rated at 22/34 mpg. That score is helped in part by a standard start-stop function. The sDrive35i is rated at 19/26 mpg when equipped with a manual, while both the automatic-equipped sDrive35i and dual-clutch sDrive35is are rated at 17/24 mpg.

The Z4’s power retractable two-piece top is made of aluminum, and tucks neatly in front of the trunk when not in use. But with that hardtop in place, the 2014 BMW Z4 gains a silhouette that’s very coupe-like. But don’t let its sports car appearance fool you, as the ride is less thrilling than its sheetmetal might suggest. The Z4 sDrive35i scored third place out of four in a 2009 convertible comparison test. Of the Z4 sDrive35i’s performance we said, “The ride is too jarring — bumps should not unsettle a fine roadster, certainly one hailing from Bavaria. BMW usually nails the ride/handling compromise, but not so in the Z4.” Things improve slightly with the sDrive35is model, of which we said, “Hit a bend fast and the long muzzle digs harder than any Z4 drop top. Yet, it’s still less balanced than its other siblings and shows plenty of debilitating understeer. Even so, it’s an improvement over the dodgy sDrive35i.”

New for 2014

The 2014 BMW Z4 receives a subtle exterior face-lift, including a new front fascia, boomerang-shaped fender accent, and standard HID headlights. A soft-close power trunk, 11-speaker audio system, and automatic climate control have been added as standard for 2014.

Sum Up

2014 BMW Z4 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$48,950

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$29,650

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Seat Upholstery, Black Sensatec Vinyl - KCSW

Driver Seat, 12-Way Power Bucket; Passenger Seat, 12-Way Power Bucket

Driver Seat Includes Memory Recline, Memory Reach, Memory Height Adjust, Power Lumbar and Memory Tilt Adjust; Passenger Seat Includes Power Recline, Power Reach, Power Height Adjustment, Power Lumbar and Power Tilt

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Units Affected

76191

Recall ID#14V627000 - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Consequence

A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

3. Dealer Selection

2014 BMW Z4 News and Reviews

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